DH thinks this is ok, but I don't..

[Buffyx]

So our last name is Downie. I don't know what it's like in other countries, but it is definitely a name that could get picked on here in Australia - being called a Downie and Down syndrome, among other mean things that kids say.

We really like quite a few names starting with A, but I just don't feel right giving my child the name A. Downie. Hubby doesn't think it matters, but I'm really funny about it. He says he never got teased, and he is the one that grew up with the name, not me. But when I told my friends what his last name was when I had first met him, they all made fun of it. People still sometimes say things about it when I tell them my last name!

What do you think? Should we stay away from the A names?

 

[AngelofTroy]

I've never heard of that term in the UK, and to be perfectly honest kids who tease will find a thing to tease about if they want to. I'm a big believer that teasing potential should not rule out name choices. You can name a kid "John Smith" or "Jane Williams" or whatever common simple name if you like, but if a bully decides they're the target then you can bet they'll make up a name based on their hair/teeth/pet/shoes/taste in music and anything and everything in between. Better to teach your children confidence in themselves and teach them not to tease others.

Saying all that my OH makes fun of every name I suggest!

 

[Midnight_Fairy]

Personally yes I would avoid it just so there was never an issue to worry about. Can still use B-z lol

 

[Midnight_Fairy]

I am in the UK and have heard it alot unfortunately

 

[staralfur]

I've heard the term but it's not something that I would piece together.

I agree with the PP that if someone wants to pick on you, they'll find something. I have a pretty simple last name that probably most get away with not being teased over, but someone decided to target me and made a huge leap with my name and it caught on.

To be perfectly honest, I think if someone wanted to make fun of the name they'd do it with or without the 'A' in front of it.

 

[CandiceSj]

I'm not sure I understand how the initial A would be bad. Must not be something we use here...

 

[Midnight_Fairy]

I dont think its the worst but out of all the letters, id just try and avoid A.

 

[Buffyx]

Adding an A doesn't make it much worse. Downie is already an awful surname anyway. But one day if they're at school, or if it's written anywhere it might say A. Downie, which is just another reason to make fun of the kid for their name. Think ill avoid A. Sad, because we love Abigail for a girl.

 

[AngelofTroy]

I just think of Robert Downey Jr... And it's a nice thought

 

[miranda90]

Hmm, that's a tough one, I guess you should avoid it just in case..

 

[Lumi]

I'm also Australian and would not use it.

 

[Buffyx]

Thanks Lumi. It's nice to hear from an Aussie who knows exactly what I'm talking about. I think I've convinced DH that we need to discuss names that don't start with A!!

 

[Lumi]

Goodluck, I'm sure you will find a lovely non A name

 

[Larkspur]

Honestly? It sounds like you need new friends. Any adult who thought it was funny to make Down Syndrome jokes about me or my partner's name would get told where to shove it. And I'm from your part of the world, so I know the culture.

Kids can be cruel but I believe that kids will be cruel based on things other than names. Like, if your kid gets teased, it's because they're seen as nerdy, or shy, or weird or something*, and then kids will find a way to make the name John Smith into a joke. If your kid has confidence and presence, they can be called Elvis Cockburn and nobody will make a big deal of it.

*Not that these are good reasons to tease someone, but they are reasons kids get teased.

 

[Midnight_Fairy]

I mentioned to my OH and he said avoid